More than 40,000 expected to walk across Big Mac

August 31, 2014

MARQUETTE - The Mackinac Bridge Authority expects Gov. Rick Snyder to lead more than 40,000 people in the 57th annual walk across the Mackinac Bridge this Labor Day.

Snyder will begin crossing the 5-mile span at 7 a.m. Monday, and walkers can start their trek across the bridge up until 11 a.m.

Buses will be available to bring walkers from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace for $5.

For the third year in a row, the authority and the Michigan Department of Transportation are asking the public to use social media to share their bridge walk experience. One person sharing their photo or video of the walk will be chosen at random to receive a tour to the top of the Mackinac Bridge, according to a press release from MBA. Pictures and video can be posted to MDOT's Facebook page or shared on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #MightyMacWalk14.

The Michigan State Police will also conduct searches of the bags, backpacks and purses of all walkers. Walkers are asked to leave their bags in their vehicles, if the contents aren't essential, to avoid delays.

"Submitting your bag for a quick search or leaving it in your vehicle will help ensure the walk is safe and enjoyable for all participants," said Bob Sweeney, MBA executive secretary.